Bow-shock effects on probe measurements

Abstract

Probe measurements of pressure and magnetic field are of importance in electromagnetic-shock-tube diagnostics. The effect of the bow shock on such measurements, in transverse shock waves in the ionizing-hydromagnetic regimes, is considered. The bow-shock jump equations are first solved, then the total stagnation pressure is obtained assuming an isentropic compression towards the stagnation point. The pressure measured at the stagnation point of the probe is seen to be less than the free-stream total gas pressure. The magnetic field is considered in terms of a simple model taking into account the field and flow distributions outside of the stagnation streamline. This analysis shows that the magnetic field measured at a coil is also less than the free-stream magnetic field. Show more